Pea gravel as ground cover

You already got an answer from the same post a while back

http://www.askmehelpdesk.com/other-h...th-230442.html

But I wouldn't use pea gravel in a planting bed. What are you planting ?

Going to transform the bed into a "desert" like vibe, succulents, desert grasses, being that I live in LA, trying to be water conscious. Open to suggestions for a ground cover. Considered mulch of course, but having to re-do it every year or two isn't appealing. Want something more permanent. I have seen other landscapes in my area that are covered with small pebble type ground cover. So perhaps I am using the wrong term, pea gravel, when I really am thinking about something else?

Thanks!

Yes, I see your point and have already investigated options, but yes, pea gravel will do nicely with the other plants coming up through it; the ornamental grasses, different cactii will do nicely. The pea gravel will hold in the moisture quite nicely. Stay tuned, I may find something else for you to add for ground cover that would be inexpensive, along with the pea gravel.

Tick

The only problem with the pea gravel is that whenever you replant something or plant a new plant you need to be super careful with the existing gravel as you will get too much soil intermixed with the existing gravel. I had something like this down in South Florida where I had a cactus garden with 40 different plants including some pretty large barrel cactus plants. Good if you don't plan on moving anything around. Looks nice and is good drainage for the cactus also. Also, when it rains in Phoenix is when I would water my garden during the dry spells in Florida in the winter that is. Be sure your area gets direct sun all day long as well. Your plants should thrive and do well in this environment. Sea Oats are a nice touch and so is Pampas Grass for a dramatic background.